Kidneys are two bean-shaped multifunctional
powerhouse organs of the urinary system. They expel waste from the body,
balance body fluids, release hormones that regulate blood pressure, and control
the production of red blood cells.

With all those jobs to be done, our kidneys
deserve attention and care. The National Kidney and Transplant Institute has
reported that Kidney Failure is the 7th leading cause of death among
Filipinos and close to an estimate of 30,000-40,000 patients yearly undergo
dialysis. Kidney disease often cannot be cured, but fortunately, it can be prevented
early by taking care of our urinary tract. With the aid of Old Orchard’s
resident US nutritionist, Amy Bragagnini, MS, RD, CSO, here are some tips that
can help you prevent urinary tract and kidney infections.

1.
Eating Healthy and Exercising Regularly.

Diabetes and high blood pressure cause most of the
kidney problems. When blood pressure is high, blood vessels stretch to allow
blood to flow more easily. The stretching eventually injures and weakens the
blood vessels, impairing their ability to clean blood properly, including those
in the kidneys. That’s why it is always best to follow healthy eating habits such
as limiting intake of sodium (2,500 mg) and sugar, and controlling weight and
blood pressure through exercise. Watchful eaters should also consider the
addition of calcium-filled food (milk, yogurt, calcium fortified cereals, etc.)
to their diet. However, Bragagnini notes that one must not mistake calcium
supplements as an alternative to the natural food sources, as it could result
to kidney stone formation when taken in excess.

2. Giving up on Smoking.

If you’re
smoking, you should quit now as smoking slows the flow of blood to the kidneys.
This results to an impairment to function properly which increases risks of
kidney cancer by 50%.

3. Following Directions for Over-the-Counter
Medications.

Your kidneys
can only take so much. Overdoing your medications create high toxins level in
the body, posing great burden on the kidneys. So as much as possible, limit
yourself from too much chemical exposure. If you really need medications, consult
with your physician and follow the instructions well.

4. Having them Screened Regularly.

If diabetes or high blood pressure is in the genes,
it is always ideal for you to have your kidneys tested regularly as part of
your routine check-up. A creatinine level higher than 1.2 for women and 1.4 for
men is a sure sign of a kidney problem.

5.
Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate!

“Fluid
intake is another important step to help lower risk of kidney stone formation
and urinary tract infection”, stresses Bragagini. Healthy individuals who
aren’t suffering present kidney diseases should consume enough water and other
fluids of at least 2 liters of fluid per day. Consuming enough fluid helps
dilute the urine and helps flush toxins. Bragagini prescribes that pairing a
meal with Cranberry juice in moderation is a great way to reduce instances of irritation in the urinary tract. In fact, Cranberries
are power packed fruits that are rich in Vitamin C and a source of Flavonoid
and Phytonutrient contents called Hippuric Acid and Proanthocyanidin. These
power duo components prevent UTI-causing bacteria from sticking into the wall of
the bladder and urinary tract preventing further damage to the kidneys.

Bragagini closes by saying that the most important thing you can do to
keep your kidneys safe is to take care of your overall body to reduce your
chances of developing diseases that put a strain on your kidneys. Coupled by
prevention, it is also aided by continuously doing consultation with your
physician or dietitian.

Old Orchard can be enjoyed in three flavors: Cranberry,
Apple Cranberry, and Cranberry Raspberry. There are also diabetic-friendly
variants that contain 75 percent less sugar and only has 20 calories: Healthy
Balance Cranberry and Healthy Balance Apple Cranberry. From health tips to
fruity recipes, you can also learn more at oldorchard.com

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Fly Ace Corporation is one of the
leading food and beverage consumer goods companies in the country
today. Propelling limitless multiple-category growth by bringing the best of
the world closer to Filipino consumers, Fly Ace Corporation’s portfolio of food
and beverage products includes house brands and exclusively distributed brands.
To learn more about Fly Ace, visit www.flyacecorp.com.

Old Orchard is exclusively distributed by Fly Ace Corporation in the Philippines
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